RIP Michael!

We have lost the best entertainer ever, and I for sure feel the pain. In my teens I treasured my Off the Wall and Thriller albums and loved Michael so much for his dancing. I learned how to do all the dances from his videos. I helped choreograph the Thriller dance for our senior class play in 1985, and We Are the World was our class song. I was so moved and mesmerized by the way he moved, spun and moon walked! He broke boundaries and raised the bar with his music, videos, humanitarianism, and love for life and people. I have to admit, tho, that I had not kept up with him in recent years and was shocked on June 25 to hear of his death. So many of us had written Michael off as a "freak" with all his plastic surgery and efforts to look white and abandon his black features. Yes, I thought he was so beautiful as he was before any of that. Also, the weird antics like hanging his child over the balcony in Germany that time to give the crowd a glimpse of his son and all those weird disguises he wore in public. Bottom line is we shouldn't judge him as few of us really know what it would be like to have been robbed of a "normal" childhood the way was. He even wrote a song about it. See the video here. See the lyrics below.

On Dateline the other night, they showed a clip of the video to Michael's song entitled Childhood where he sings about his lost childhood. It tore my heart open!

While the curtain has closed on Michael Jackson's earthly life, I know he's celebrating his lost childhood in heaven and blessing everyone with his huge heart, singing and dancing! Rest in peace, Michael...!

Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for the world that I come from
'Cause I've been looking around
In the lost and found of my heart...
No one understands me
They view it as such strange eccentricities...
'Cause I keep kidding around
Like a child, but pardon me...

People say I'm not okay
'Cause I love such elementary things...
It's been my fate to compensate,
for the ChildhoodI've never known...

Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like pirates and adventurous dreams,
Of conquest and kings on the throne...

Before you judge me, try hard to love me,
Look within your heart then ask,
Have you seen my Childhood?
People say I'm strange that way
'Cause I love such elementary things,
It's been my fate to compensate,
For the Childhood I've never known...

Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like fantastical stories to share
The dreams I would dare, watch me fly...

Before you judge me, try hard to love me.
The painful youth I've had

Have you seen my Childhood....

Happy Birthday to Us!

Yes, Carole and I have a birthday today - 42! This pic is from our 40th b'day celebration we had in our hometown of Athens, AL where we blocked off part of the square in downtown Athens in front of Carole's studio for our party! We had a blast with a great, rockin' band, dancing and mingling with so many great friends. What a great memory! My friend Eileen from St. Paul came home with me to celebrate! FUN!!!

Happy Birthday, Sis!

1st Student Art Show!

Claire Kayser Fine Art put on it's first student art show last night, and it was WONDERFUL!!! We kept it to our spouses and a few friends, had it catered by Lauri at the Golden Fig, and hosted by Jack and Kirsten Driscoll at Jack's historical, charming building. The evening was splendid in every way with gorgeous weather that allowed us to spill outside on the upper level deck, great h'ore deuvres. We raved over the students' work and talked about art, mingled with one another and enjoyed ourselves tremendously. Thanks to my great students for allowing me to work with you and help you through your painting journeys!

What we've needed...

... a DRINK!

Yes, we finally have gotten some much needed rain over the weekend - a slow, steady one that has given our grass, vegetation, trees and flowers almost 2 inches! Yay!!! I've loved seeing the huge water droplets on the leaves of the day lillies out back. The peonies will be opening up, too - the second round. Just wanted to share a couple of images...

Summer Adult Plein Air Painting!

Hey Ladies!

We will be plein air painting on Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 pm, no need to commit to a number of classes as this summer is low key, come if you can on Tuesdays. Claire will be providing instruction in various settings around the twin cities. Email Claire or call Claire at 651.983.2743 at least 4 days in advance to get the schedule for that Tuesday's location and details. Cost is $50 per day and payment must be received the day of class or before. Claire will give you a supply list once contacted. Come on, bring a friend or daughter!

Lowdown:
Tuesdays
10 am - 12 pm (some days time may vary)
Pay by the class!
Fee: $50 (due day of class or before)
Get on the email list for the weekly schedule!
Call Claire at 651.983.2743 to sign up
Limited to 12, so hurry!
Get ready for FUN!

GRADUATION FOR MY 2 NEICES!

Wow, I can hardly believe that 2 more of my neices Madeline and Catherine Hunt are graduating this year! Living away from them it seems time has flown so fast as I still think they should be about 11 years old, STILL! Madeline is David's daughter, and Catherine is Carl's. They have grown to be such smart, compassionate, beautiful young ladies, and I couldn't be more proud. However, they both will be going to that other "university" across the state, but I still hold out hope that they will come to their senses and find, as Carole says, their way over to the loveliest village on the plains though, where sunsets are a rich, burnt orange and deep blue!
;)))

The proud Dads and Paw Paw!

Madeline, a grad!

Madeline and Catherine together!
(Photos by Carole!)

MY NEW CHARITY OF CHOICE!

I have been reading all afternoon about UAPO (Uganda American Partnership Organization), my new charity of choice. After receiving an email from my friend Diane today who will be going to live and work with orphans in Uganda this summer after feeling God's nudge into this path. She is thrilled to be going and using her great spirit to work with these children. I know that Diane will be so loved by these kids, and God has given her the gifts of inspiration, love, humor, compassion for His light to shine brightly thru her. I can hardly express how proud I am of her! She is Grace's godmother, and I know I could not have picked a better disciple of Jesus to be that for Grace.

Please take a few minutes to watch the video on the Ranch of Jesus Orphanage. It's the first film on this page. I was moved to tears, and I plan to share it with my children, too. It's a great reminder of just how incredibly blessed we are to have the basic necessities of life that we take for granted each day.

STILL SOME SPOTS LEFT!

There are still some spaces left in both KIDS ART CAMPS this summer!

CAMP I
kids ages 7-10
June 23-25
10 am - 12 pm
Fee:$195
(1 spot left)

CAMP II
kids ages 11-14
August 11-13
10 am - 12 pm
Fee $195
(5 spots left)

We will study color theory, paint 2 canvases, learn special techniques,
and learn to critique work!

All supplies are provided including a snack!

Call me at 651.983.2743 or email me at claire@clairekayser.com

I'VE HAD THEM WRONG...

...ALL THESE YEARS!
OK, you know how we sing lyrics to a song for years and not really knowing what they are? Now, with the world wide web, you can look up the lyrics to almost any song. I was singing to Benny and the Jets playing on KOOL 108 today and thought, "I don't know what in the world most of the whole first verse really is" and thought "I'm going to look them up when I get online again. Well, tonight, I looked them up and laughed so hard realizing, I've didn't know what in the heck I'd been singing for well, the last 30 years - and I realized that I've had about half the words all wrong! Check them out! Did you?


Hey kids, shake it loose together
The spotlight's hitting something
That's been known to change the weather
We'll kill the fatted calf tonight
So stick around
You're gonna hear electric music
Solid walls of sound

Say, Candy and Ronnie, have you seen them yet
But they're so spaced out, Bennie and the Jets
Oh but they're weird and they're wonderful
Oh Bennie she's really keen
She's got electric boots a mohair suit
You know I read it in a magazine
Bennie and the Jets

Hey kids, plug into the faithless
Maybe they're blinded
But Bennie makes them ageless
We shall survive, let us take ourselves along
Where we fight our parents out in the streets
To find who's right and who's wrong

Was fun to see them and know what the song is really about...! I know Elton must've been on some serious drugs back then, but I still love those songs...!

April Wine and Paint FULL!

Thanks to all who have signed up for next month's Wine and Paint party! It's filled with 8 ladies who want to paint an Italian theme of charming villa windows with laundry hanging - such a common, charming site in Italy. It will be fun making our canvases convey that Italian charm!

I still have openings for May 6th one if anyone is interested! Call up a friend or two and come! You get $15 off for bringing a friend.

Email me at claire@clairekayser.com or call me at 651.983.2743!
Fee is $85
$75 for COLOR CAFE students!

Also, I have started the punch card for studio C that when you have done 5 Wine and Paint nights, you get your 6th FREE! Get started NOW!

Get on the "C list!" (the new A list!) at studio C!

FINAL BOARDING CALL!

Hey Ladies! We have the deal of a lifetime! Now you can attend Southern Palette for less than you thought. $699! This is a price that doesn't need much consideration. If you like to paint or THINK you'd like to paint in a getaway fun-filled weekend, then this is the weekend for you!

April 16 - 19

At Carole's Studio

Athens, Alabama

Historical downtown Athens Alabama in the springtime is a gorgeous setting. The dogwoods are in bloom, and there is an infectious energy all around. Carole and I have a great weekend planned. Check out the details at CaroleAndClaire.Com for a complete schedule of activities.

Want to know more about Athens? Visit the Spirit of Athens Site!

Read comments by those who have worked with Carole & Claire:

Carole and Claire came to Rosemary Beach to teach a few paint techniques to women, which they did. But they also spread broad brush strokes of joy, confidence, and effervescence. The beauty they brought to Girls' Getaway Weekend, on their canvases and in their smiles, was an integral part of the event. Their students left class glowing, happy with new skills and a masterpiece!

---Kim Jameson, Rosemary Beach, FL

"I've attended Carole and Claire's workshops and absolutely enjoyed them immensely. The ingredients that you can depend on in this "artistic" recipe are: relationship building, accomplishment, knowledge and most of all a large amount of FUN. Go, you will have the best time EVER!" ---Marcia Whitaker, Anniston, AL

It was such a joy to have you and your sister as our guests. Your artwork and sweet personalities were an inspiration to all! Thanks again...We hope to see you both again.

---Bev Sanders, Carmel, CA

Participating in the artist workshop was the best time I had all weekend. It gave me a chance to step outside of myself, in a fun and creative way. I met new friends that I look forward to seeing every year. And I love it when my friends in Atlanta visit my home and say "Did YOU paint that?" Then they want to hear about the whole trip and how then can attend one.....

---Sylvia Holler, Atlanta, GA

March Wine and Paint!

We had a great time last night painting Bessy the cow! Students did an outstanding job on what was their first paintings ever for a few of them. I demonstrated first as students sipped wine, water or coffee, and then they were at it putting paint to canvas. Toning, then drawing out the general shape of her head and blocking in with tremendous color.
VOILA!
Everyone's was so different and unique - strong in certain elements. I love that!
See pics of the evening!
Thanks, Heidi, Pam, Fred, Liz, Kate & Jenn!


Schedule for next Wine and Paint Nights:
April 8 (Italian windows and laundry line) (4 spots left)
May 6 (Girly Stuff)
Summer - TBA

7-9 pm
Supplies provided
BYOW!
$85
COLOR CAFE students and previous students: $75

Do 5 Wine and Paint Nights, and get your 6th FREE!

Don't Let This Happen to YOU!

Over the weekend, my Facebook account was illegally hacked by a "cybercriminal" all because I used a "weak" password on the internet (as I NOW realize). It was a very scary thing to have happen, but it's opened my eyes to the importance of keeping your internet activity as safe and secure as possible. Facebook was super diligent in alerting me to the "possible illegal activity of someone else trying to sign into my account." When I opened my computer to check it out, sure enough there were 3 instant message conversations on my account going on that were not really from me. The cybercrimal was impersonating me on my own account at that actual moment! Horrifying! So, I took the advice given to me in the previous fb email and changed my password immediately. No more happened. One of the IM conversations from "Claire" was telling a friend that my husband and I were in London and had been mugged at gunpoint losing everything! ... What they are after is MONEY, and they are drawing on the sympathy of your friend community on Facebook. Thankfully, it didn't get too far. FB deactivated my account for a day, and had me go thru a verification process, and then my account was reactivated. All seems well now.

I'm posting a link to a recent article in PC World Magazine about the 5 major scams targeting Facebook in the last week. Please read and share with your children, too.

Also, here is some helpful info a security operator on facebook gave me that I wanted to share that is great for all internet users regarding passwords:

The majority of these cybercriminals have been hacking into the email accounts of their victims before they hack into their Facebook accounts. If a person uses the same password for both their email and Facebook accounts, a hacker only needs to compromise a password once. If a hacker is able to compromise the password associated with a user's email account (either though brute force or through more sophisticated means), then he can use that password to enter the user's Facebook account as well.

You should change the password for all of your internet accounts and make sure that no two passwords are the same. You should also create passwords that are at least 6 characters in length and that you use a complex string of numbers, letters (both upper and lower case), punctuation marks, and other symbols. Your passwords should never contain any words that could be found in the dictionary. By varying and strengthening your internet passwords, you can protect yourself against future hacking attempts.

Go With This!

In my quiet time this morning, I picked up my devotional book called "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers to read the passage for today March 7. Most days I feel uplifted and moved at least a little from his devotions and other times I find them to be a bit opaque. Also, even though I've had this devotional book for several years, I find it amazing how one day's passage seems ho hum to you that day, and you read the same thing again a year later, and it completely resonates with you. I love that! Today, while this passage has always resonated with me, it really felt accentuated today - in our hard economy, in the doldrums of these last days of winter, in the pace of our days, remembering it's the Lenten season, etc.

The title for today's passage is THE SOURCE OF ABUNDANT JOY
The passage is from Romans 8:37 saying, "In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

Paul reminds us that our love from God is not earned and never can be as exhibited by the Cross on Calvary. Also, that "we are super-victors with a joy that comes from experiencing the very things which look as if they are going to overwhelm us."

Chambers says, "Huge waves that would frighten an ordinary swimmer produce a tremendous thrill for the surfer who has ridden them."

What a tremendous thrill it is to know this joy! So many of my students here in studio C have felt like they're embarking on a daunting task so many times in starting their very first paintings and even their 20th paintings. I have still feel it sometimes, too, but when we PRESS ON and conquer that which seems overwhelming, we feel that abundant joy!

Go with this!

Happy Birthday, Sam!

My son turns 12 today! We love you, Sam! Happy 12th!
(birthday brownie his sister made for him...)

New Blog Name!

My blog is no longer "into the light" as I've decided to change it to "studio C". I'm in the idea storming stages and beginning of what my studio offerings will be in the coming months. It's a very exciting time! My studio is going to be all about painting, teaching, learning and creativity. So the things that I will be offering will be a conglomeration of things that I know, have practiced, and what clients have asked of me. Stay tuned to exactly what studio C will be! But for now, DO "start C-ing!"